Air pollution on the London Underground

Caroline Pidgeon: On 24 June 2020 an article by Science of the Total Environment (Reference: STOTEN 140515)stated “the PM2.5 and NO2 levels, potential contributors to COVID-19 transmission and fatalities, are relatively higher in LU stations than other transport environments. E.g. the median level of airborne PM2.5 in LU stations is several times higher than cycling”.Please provide a detailed statement on the actions being taken to tackle air pollution throughout the London Underground to reduce exposure for both passengers and staff. Please also state what evaluation has been undertaken as to whether there should be controls on access to specific London Underground stations which are known to have high levels of air pollution and poor circulation of air.

The Mayor: Safety is always the highest priority both for myself and Transport for London (TfL).
We know that the particulate matter found on the Tube network has a very different composition to air pollution above ground, which is why TfL is commissioning leading universities to conduct further studies to help inform on any health risks associated with dust on the Tube. Whilst there is some emerging evidence linking an increased susceptibility to the worst effects of coronavirus to areas of high air pollution above ground, we are not aware of a similar body of evidence relating to the sort of particulate matter found on the Tube.
Controlling access could only be done by closing down parts of the public transport network which is not a realistic option in a city like London. Throughout the pandemic, critical workers have depended on Tubes and buses and we have done all we can to ensure a safe environment for all of passengers and staff. TfL has followed the advice from Public Health England and has taken a number of vital safety measures across its transport network to limit its impact.
This includes introducing an even more enhanced cleaning programme, with key interchange points being cleaned more frequently, and social distancing measures for its staff and customers. Customers must now also wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth for their entire journey, including in stations, unless they are exempt. TfL is continuing to improve its monitoring of particulate matter concentrations and specific materials and rolling out enhanced tunnel cleaning regimes across the network.The targeted dust reduction measures TfL is implementing include industrial back-pack vacuum cleaners, specialist equipment that catches dust as it is produced during construction, and the use of more battery-operated tools to reduce fumes. These will now be progressively rolled out across the network, with an initial £1 million investment this financial year and up to £4.5 million next financial year, subject to ongoing discussions with the Department for Transport on TfL’s long-term budget.
In addition, TfL’s monitoring results show that dust levels on the Tube remain below the required levels set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A406 Between Bounds Green Road and Green Lanes (1)

Joanne McCartney: Will you explore the possibility of installing speed cameras on the A406 between Bounds Green Road and Green Lanes?

The Mayor: Prior to the global pandemic and lockdown restrictions towards the end of March, Transport for London (TfL) was in the final stages of finalising its new methodology for the rollout of safety cameras and speed enforcement measures, working with its policing and borough partners. This method for prioritising locations considers levels of speeding, collisions and casualties and also takes into account the number of walking, cycling and motorcycling trips, committed engineering schemes and other factors.
Average speed camera systems are in place over large stretches of the A406, as well as a number of static spot speed cameras across the remainder of the North Circular. Budget had been allocated within TfL’s draft revised budget for 2020/21 towards future safety camera installation but it is not currently in a position to commit to specific installations of additional safety camera systems across London, given current financial uncertainty.
Tackling road danger, and in particular speeding, remains a high priority for TfL, the police and me. I am aware that the lower levels of traffic during lockdown have resulted in some drivers and riders taking advantage of the situation and not complying with posted speed limits. The police are taking these actions very seriously and have been working hard across London to enforce against those who are putting the lives of themselves and others in danger by behaving in this way. 12,671 Traffic Offence reports were issued on-street for speeding between April and June 2020.

Car Free Zone

David Kurten: What will be the effects on taxi drivers and their passengers of banning Euro 4, Euro 5 and Euro 6 taxis from your proposed ‘car free zone’ in central London?

The Mayor: During these unprecedented times, it is vital that Transport for London (TfL) supports London’s recovery by providing safe space for more walking and cycling in local high streets, town centres and in the busy central London area. The proposed car free zone in central London is a key element of this due to the large number of people who are employed in this area. For central London to function, large numbers of people need to be able to safely get to work and other destinations. New zones are being created which prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and buses to enable walking and cycling whilst allowing for social distancing.
However, TfL recognises the important role that taxis play in providing a service to London, particularly for passengers with accessibility needs, including wheelchair users. In relation to the temporary changes being introduced on Bishopsgate, the scheme has been designed to give access to taxis and other vehicles from side streets. Whilst it will not be possible for vehicles (other than buses) to travel the length of Bishopsgate, we believe we can still enable essential access to buildings, whilst reducing the overall volume of traffic. The restrictions will be in operation from Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm. We will keep the scheme under review and are open to making changes if problems emerge.
In terms of other traffic reduction schemes in central London which are still in the design process, we are currently determining what access would be appropriate for taxis and Private Hire Vehicles and will ensure access is maintained for those with disabilities. TfL is also aiming to maintain existing blue badge exemptions and of course has the largest accessible bus fleet in the world.
TfL will undertake an equality impact assessment on any proposals that restrict motor vehicle access, including impacts on taxi passengers with mobility issues, to inform the final decision. Access will be balanced with the need to reallocate street space for safe walking and cycling.

Electric cars

Andrew Dismore: I've had a resident raise your plans for greening the main corridors in the City and restricting them to buses, walking and cycling. She has just bought an electric car and is concerned to hear about the restrictions. She would like to know if electric cars are exempt from this and whether they will still be able to use these roads?

The Mayor: As part of our plans to improve air quality and support safe social distancing in London, car-free zones will be introduced in some central locations, in particular in the City of London. This is vital for the health and safety of Londoners, to enable millions of journeys to be made through the City of London by walking and cycling. Dedicated space is required to safely accommodate the high demand for walking and cycling on these streets, particularly where short Tube trips can be switched to active modes, freeing up space on public transport for those that need it most. Detailed plans are still being developed, with access for emergency services and people with disabilities being prioritised. Access for residents will be maintained although in some instances it may be necessary to use alternative streets to access properties by private motor vehicles.